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©William Wegman |
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 The
amazing 20X24 camera
takes big,
detailed 20X24-inch instant color and black-and-white photographs. Polaroid
created it to make large format photography available for a wide spectrum
of uses, from getting close-up magnified views of Raphael's Transfiguration
for the Vatican Museum to taking color portraits of President Clinton at
the White House.
Back in 1977, when it was developed, its prototype
weighed in at 600 pounds, featured a barber chair support as its tripod,
and was completely immobile. But today the 20X24 has been trimmed down
to 235 pounds, given wheels, swings, tilts and rising fronts and a home
in Soho.
Because of its special features, photographers
from around the world use it to create unique and detailed images for their
commercial projects and artistic "adventures." You can too!
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 1997, the
big black box has been on many an adventure. |
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Along with the camera,
our first episode involves, a Subaru Brat pickup truck, a lake and some
famous Weimareinars.
Artist William Wegman, well-known for his humorous
canine photographs, has creatively used the 20X24 ever since it was invented
back in the '70s. Each year he takes it on a ritual journey to his summer
home in Rangely, Maine where the landscape evokes interesting images.
One day Bill was feeling particularly ambitious.
He had a notion of getting a unique perspective on his Weimareinars in
the water, but to capture the idea he somehow had to position the trusty
but weighty 20X24 camera right in the lake. |
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| To the rescue,
Bill's friend Dave offered his Subaru Brat pickup, just enough truck to
fit the bulky camera and its operator on board. A dry-run proved safe,
so into the pickup they packed themselves and out into the lake they crept.
As you can see from these photos, the launching party produced spectacular
results and undaunted dogs.
This first in a series of anecdotes is taken from
the annals of the Polaroid 20 x 24 camera, the biggest instant camera on
the planet!
For information about the Polaroid
20X24 Studio in New York and camera rentals phone (212) 925-1403.
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Click the icons below to view William Wegman's work:
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